SEATTLE – If Wednesday’s night friendly against Boca Juniors marked a chance to audition replacements for the injured Jhon Kennedy Hurtado, it wasn’t the player you think who shined. Taylor Graham, not Jeff Parke, turned in an admirable performance in central defense and looks ready to step up in Hurtado’s absence.
A veteran of multiple USL campaigns, Graham returned from a long injury layoff to play 90 minutes against the Argentinean club. Known for his excellent organiaztion, Graham was an integral part of the back line that held Boca scoreless despite 13 shots.
“Taylor knew that today was a big audition for him, a big opportunity for him to show that he’s got his fitness back and that he can organize us in the back,” Schmid said. “This is a huge step forward for him in terms of getting into the 18 and getting further along.”
Bothered by injuries during this time with the Sounders, Graham commanded the Seattle back line along with Tyson Wahl, who also played 90 minutes.
The Stanford graduate had played in the team’s reserve matches against Oregon State, Gonzaga, and the University of Washington, but this was his first extended action against high-caliber competition in some time. While Schmid joked that Graham would be sore on Thursday, Graham said he’d be ready if the team called on him this weekend against Colorado.
“I’m ready,” Graham said. “If my number’s called this weekend, if my number’s called in four months, I’ll be ready.”
It wasn’t the same story for Parke. Graham’s partner in central defense in the first half struggled in his first competitive action in several months. The veteran conceded at least three corners in his 45 minutes of action and looked rusty after his long competitive layoff. He also committed a turnover in a dangerous area and was involved in a miscommunication with goalkeeper Kasey Keller.
In his first action in an MLS uniform since Oct. 9, 2008, Parke played 45 minutes before yielding to James Riley for the second half. The former New York Red Bulls standout signed with Seattle on May 13 after an extended absence. He was in Schmid’s 18 ahead of Graham for the team’s game last match against San Jose.
Seattle’s Osvaldo Alonso left the match in the first half with what the club termed a thigh contusion. The influential defensive midfielder saw his first action after the previous two matches.
Schmid said it was too soon to determine Alonso’s availability for Saturday’s match against Colorado, calling the player “probably doubtful.”
